Thursday 24 February 2022

Ukraine vs Russia war updates 24-02-2022

 May Indian students turn up outside embassy in Kyiv: PTI

A large number of Indian students in Ukraine on Thursday turned up outside the Indian embassy in Kyiv seeking assistance after Russia launched a military operation targeting several Ukrainian cities. The students demanded the embassy to ensure their safety and security. Government sources said the embassy organised "safe premises for the students nearby and the students were moved in there".

The embassy said around 200 Indian students were provided shelter. Indian ambassador to Ukraine Partha Satpathy later interacted with the Indian students and assured all possible assistance.

08:52 PM

Pune officials sets up control room for those stuck in Ukraine

Such people or their families can contact 202-26123371 or write to `controlroompune@gmail.com', said district collector Rajesh Deshmukh.

08:51 PM

UEFA won't host Champions League final in Russia: Report

According to Associated Press, an extraordinary meeting of the UEFA executive committee will be held on Friday to discuss the geopolitical crisis and when officials are set to confirm taking the May 28 showpiece game out of Russia.

08:48 PM

Swiss to tighten measures targeting Russia

Switzerland will tighten its economic measures against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, President Ignazio Cassis said on Thursday. The government would adjust its regulations so Switzerland could not be used to circumvent sanctions imposed by the European Union, Cassis told a news conference in Bern.

08:37 PM

Russia Ukraine Crisis Live Updates

Kyiv mayor orders curfew in capital

Ukraine president says Russian troops trying to capture Chernobyl plant

08:27 PM

Live Updates

Parts of Ukraine's southern Kherson region no longer under Ukrainian control, says Region administration

08:20 PM

Russian troops breach area near Chernobyl

Russian troops from the direction of Belarus entered an area near the former nuclear power plant Chernobyl on Thursday, an adviser to Ukraine's interior minister said, as fighting continued across the country.


08:11 PM

Live Updates

EU summons Russia's ambassador over invasion of Ukraine

08:09 PM

US stocks tumble over Ukraine crisis; Wall Street opens 2% lower

The Nasdaq Composite index tumbled at the open on Thursday, dropping more than 20% from its record closing high in November last year and on track to confirm a bear market, after Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 301.43 points, or 0.91%, at the open to 32,830.33, falling more than 10% from its all-time closing peak on Jan. 4 and on pace to confirm a correction.

The S&P 500 opened lower by 69.73 points, or 1.65%, at 4,155.77, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 449.61 points, or 3.45%, to 12,587.88 at the opening bell.

08:06 PM

Plans being worked out for evacuation of Indians from Ukraine: Indian embassy in Hungary

A team from the Indian embassy in Hungary has been sent to the border post of Zohanyi to provide assistance to facilitate the exit of Indians from Ukraine.The Indian embassy in Hungary said it is working with the Hungarian government for providing all possible assistance for facilitating the entry of Indians from Ukraine. Currently, around 20,000 Indians, mostly students, are stuck in Ukraine.

08:00 PM

Will respond to European, U.S. sanctions in tit-for-tat manner: Russia

Russia would respond to European and U.S. sanctions with tit-for-tat measures after Western nations sought to punish Moscow for invading Ukraine, Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said on Thursday.

07:58 PM

Fear, chaos in Ukraine: Indian student tells parents

Ashish Chandra (22), who is currently doing MBBS at Zaporizhzhia State Medical University in Ukraine, told his parents in a video call that an explosion occurred about five kms away from his house. Fear and chaos prevails in Ukraine, his parents quoted him as saying. Chandra told his parents that ration shops have run out of stock and although he has money in his bank account, the ATMs have dried up, while shopkeepers are not accepting card payments.


07:56 PM

Impact of Ukraine Crisis

Impact of Ukraine Crisis

07:51 PM

Ukraine Live Updates: Battle underway for airbase on Kyiv outskirts

Russian and Ukrainian forces are battling for control of an airbase on the northern outskirts of Kyiv, a senior Ukrainian officer said Thursday, as dozens of attack helicopters swooped on the area. "Fighting is underway for Gostomel airfield," armed forces chief Valeriy Zaluzhny said in a message posted on Facebook. Shortly earlier, AFP reporters had seen helicopters flying low over the city from the north.

07:50 PM

Live Updates

Ukraine says Trypilska power station operating as normal after explosion

07:43 PM

Ukraine Live Updates: Warning siren heard in Kyiv, according to Reuters witness

A warning siren could be heard in Kyiv on Thursday, a Reuters witness reported from the scene. Russian forces invaded Ukraine on Thursday in a massed assault by land, sea and air, the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War Two.

07:42 PM

American F-35 jets land in Romania

Two American F-35 fighter jets landed at a Romanian air base on Thursday, Bucharest's defence ministry said. The jets, belonging to U.S. Air Forces in Europe will train and run missions with the Romanian military in the coming period.


07:41 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin tonight: ANI

07:36 PM

Russia Is Aiming for a Rapid Destruction of Ukraine’s Forces: Bloomberg Analysis

A full picture of what’s happening on the ground is harder to assemble in real time, but it appears that Putin has opted for a large campaign aimed at achieving regime change, rather than a more limited take over of the separatist Donbas territories he has recognized as independent.

07:33 PM

Russia Ukraine Live News Updates

Ukraine Energy ministry says tanks and unidentified troops standing at dam at Kakhovka hydroelectric station

07:27 PM

Ukraine Live News Updates

Ukraine military says fighting along the entire line of contact in Eastern Ukraine, but Russia has not made a breakthrough

07:26 PM

Russian Army military vehicle drives along a street in Armyansk, Crimea on Feb 24

Russian Army military vehicle drives along a street in Armyansk, Crimea on Feb 24

07:23 PM

Poland discussing reinforcement of NATO's eastern flank

"A reinforcement of the eastern part of NATO and the European Union - we are conducting advanced talks about that," the country's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in parliament. He did not specify who the talks were with.

07:22 PM

Live Updates

Team from Indian mission in Hungary sent to border post of Zohanyi to provide assistance to facilitate exit of Indians from Ukraine.

07:15 PM

Russia unperturbed by sanctions

"Today, Russia has financial resources enough to maintain the financial system in the light of sanctions and external threats," the government said in the statement on Thursday.

07:11 PM

Russia Ukraine News Live Updates

From the territory of Belarus four ballistic rockets fired in the south-west direction, Ukraine military quoted by Reuters

07:09 PM

Air India plane enroute to Kyiv called back

An airline spokesperson said the Air India flight AI 1947 is returning as a NOTAM has been issued at Kyiv. The flight started from the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) here at around 7.30 am for Boryspil International Airport in Kyiv. The flight landed back at the IGIA at around 1 PM on Thursday.

07:08 PM

Ukrainians trek to safety in Hungary

According to Reuters, some people could be seen entering Hungary by car, but many came on foot, dragging suitcases over the frontier by hand.

06:59 PM

Russia-Ukraine Live News Updates

Russia says it has destroyed 74 "objects of above-ground military infrastructure" in Ukraine

06:57 PM

EU tells Belarus to 'not take part' in Russian attack

EU chief Charles Michel on Thursday urged Belarus to "not take part" in Russia's military assault on Ukraine, ahead of an emergency European Union summit to decide new sanctions on Moscow over its invasion.In an appeal to Belarus and its people during a media conference at NATO headquarters, Michel said: "You have the choice not to follow Russia's destructive action. You have the choice not to take part in this needless tragedy against your neighbours in Ukraine."

06:52 PM

Live Updates

Ukraine Police says, Russia has carried out 203 attacks today, fighting carried is going on almost througout the entire territory

06:51 PM

Ukraine-Russia news live updates

Ukraine State border guards says military is fighting against Russian forces near the eastern city of Sumy

06:48 PM

Biden meets with G7

The virtual, closed-door meeting of G7 leaders -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States -- was set to start at 9:00 am (1400 GMT), with Biden's White House speech scheduled for early afternoon. Biden also held a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, saying afterwards that he had promised to "provide support and assistance to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people."

06:43 PM

Hope for stranded Indian nationals in Ukraine

Government of India, Ministry of Civil Aviation has allowed passengers traveling from Ukraine to travel by transit under India- Qatar bilateral air bubble arrangement.

06:40 PM

Oil prices above $105 now, first time since 2014

Oil prices jumped on Thursday, with Brent rising above $105 a barrel for the first time since 2014, after Russia's attack on Ukraine exacerbated concerns about disruptions to global energy supply. Brent crude was up $8.15, or 8.4%, at $104.99 a barrel as of 1221 GMT, having touched a high of $105.79. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude jumped $7.33, or 8%, to $99.43.

06:37 PM

Rescuers work at the crash site of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Antonov aircraft, which, according to the State Emergency Service, was shot down in Kyiv region, Ukraine, in this handout picture released February 24

Rescuers work at the crash site of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Antonov aircraft, which, according to the State Emergency Service, was shot down in Kyiv region, Ukraine, in this handout picture released February 24

06:30 PM

Gold Surges to 15-Month High on Ukraine Attack

Gold Surges to 15-Month High on Ukraine Attack

06:27 PM

Rupee plummets 99 paise to 75.60/USD amid Ukraine crisis

The rupee tanked 99 paise to close at 75.60 against the US dollar on Thursday as riskier assets took a hit after Russia launched military operations against Ukraine. Forex traders said sustained foreign fund outflows, heavy selling in domestic equities and elevated crude oil prices weighed on investor sentiment.

06:26 PM

EU poised to impose tough sanctions on Russia: Italy

The European Union will impose extremely strong sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Thursday, adding that meaningful dialogue with Moscow was impossible. Draghi is set to join EU leaders later in the day to discuss the crisis. "There, we will decide on a very tough package of sanctions against Russia," the prime minister said in a televised address.

06:20 PM

Russia Ukraine News LIVE Updates: Ukraine military plane with 14 aboard crashes near Kyiv

A Ukrainian military plane with 14 people aboard crashed south of Kyiv on Thursday, the emergencies service said. The service said it was "still determining how many people died." The incident occurred about 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of Kyiv, amid reports of several locations around the city coming under attack.

06:19 PM

This war will have long-lasting consequences for Europe

France will stand by Ukraine's side, President Emmanuel Macron said in a televised address to the French nation today. He added that Russia's action against the eastern European country will have "durable and deep" consequences for the continent.

06:08 PM

Market mayhem wipes off over Rs 13.44 lakh cr investor wealth

Amid intensifying rout in the global financial markets, the 30-share BSE Sensex plummeted 2,702.15 points or 4.72 per cent to end at 54,529.91. The carnage on Dalal Street eroded investor wealth worth Rs 13,44,488.54 crore, taking the total market capitalisation (m-cap) to Rs 2,42,24,179.79 crore on the BSE.

06:00 PM

Ukrainian military plane shot down, five killed

A Ukrainian military plane was shot down on Thursday and five people were killed, Ukrainian police and the state emergency service said

05:51 PM

Ukraine says fierce fighting under way at numerous locations

Ukraine on Thursday fought Russian forces along practically its entire border with Russia, and there was fierce fighting in the regions of Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson, Odessa and at a military airport near Kyiv, an adviser to the presidential office said. The Ukrainian official said they feared that Russian forces could be air dropped into the country and then try to penetrate the government district in Kyiv. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said Ukrainian border guards had abandoned all facilities at the Russian-Ukrainian border, the Interfax news agency reported.

05:48 PM

Oil tankers avoiding Russian Crude: Bloomberg

Russia relies on tankers for about two thirds of its crude exports meaning that any prolonged disruption to shipping would be more serious. The country’s oil has already been already selling at the deepest discounts in years to an international benchmark as traders fret over how the Ukraine situation will play out.

05:45 PM

West to impose massive sanctions to hobble Russian economy: UK prime minister

"Today, in concert with our allies, we will agree a massive package of economic sanctions designed in time to hobble the Russian economy," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, in a televised address to the nation.

05:41 PM

NATO won't send troops into Ukraine

"There are no NATO combat troops, no NATO troops at all inside Ukraine. We have made it clear that we don't have any plans and intention of deploying NATO troops to Ukraine," the alliance's Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg said. "What we have made clear is that we have already increased and we are increasing the presence of NATO troops in the eastern part of the alliance on NATO territory."

05:34 PM

Fierce fighting underway at Gostomel military airport: Advisor to Ukraine presidential office

He further said that Russia had launched strikes before Putin's speech

05:30 PM

Russian forces break into Kyiv region: Ukraine border guards

05:28 PM

Russia has legitimate concerns: China on Ukraine invasion

China understands Russia's "legitimate concerns" on security issues, senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi told Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov by phone on Thursday.China called for the formulation of "a balanced, effective and sustainable security mechanism" in Europe via dialogue and negotiation, Wang said, according to a statement on the website of the China foreign ministry.

05:16 PM

UEFA to hold emergency meeting

UEFA are to hold an emergency meeting on Friday to "evaluate the situation" concerning Russia's invasion of Ukraine with the former set to host the Champions League final in Saint Petersburg in May. UEFA said in a statement their executive committee would "take all necessary decisions". The final of European club football's premier competition is scheduled for May 28.

05:11 PM

Nearly 2,000 from Haryana stuck in Ukraine

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday said that nearly 2,000 people from Haryana, mostly students, were stuck in Ukraine and he was in touch with Union Ministry of External Affairs on this issue. Khattar also said the MEA had already set up a control room, while in Chandigarh, a control room has been set up by the state government where people from Haryana can contact on WhatsApp number 92123-14595. They can also reach Foreign Cooperation Department of Haryana government over "email-- contactusatfcd@gmail.com".

05:08 PM

NATO puts jets on high alert

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday that the Western military alliance will deploy capabilities and forces on its territory after Russian invaded Ukraine, saying it put over 100 warplanes on high alert. NATO leaders will also hold a virtual summit on Friday. The alliance also activated NATO's defence plans to give military commanders to move forces, including those at high readiness.

05:03 PM

Gold soars Rs 1,656, silver surges Rs 2,350

Gold prices in the national capital rallied by Rs 1,656 to Rs 51,627 per 10 grams on Thursday. Silver prices also shot up by Rs 2,350 to Rs 66,267 per kilogram compared with the previous close of Rs 63,917 per kilogram. On Thursday, the rupee plummeted 109 paise to close at 75.70 against the dollar as Russia announced military operation in Ukraine.

04:59 PM

Multiple explosions heard in Kyiv

Multiple explosions could be heard in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Thursday, a Reuters reporter said, after Russia launched a massive military operation.

04:58 PM

Aluminium rockets to record high

Russia is a major producer of gas used to make electricity, a major component of aluminium production. Gas prices have spurred since tensions escalated and led to output cuts in Europe, leaving consumers scrambling to secure metal. Three-month aluminium on the London Metal Exchange hit a record high of $3,449 a tonne, and was up 4.3% at $3,437 by 11:10 GMT.

04:56 PM

Russian Military is trying to break into Ukraine's Kyiv region, according to Ukraine's border officials

Russian Military is trying to break into Ukraine's Kyiv region, according to Ukraine's border officials

04:53 PM

Lithuania declares emergency

Lithuania's president declares state of emergency over Russia's attack on Ukraine.

04:52 PM

Cabinet meeting later today over Ukraine crisis

PM Narendra Modi to chair Cabinet Committee on Security meet today. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit shah and NSA Ajit Doval to attend the meeting, according to Times Now.

04:49 PM

Indian embassy issues another advisory for all Indian nationals in Ukraine

Ukraine Says Killed "Around 50 Russian Occupiers": 5 Latest Facts

New Delhi: 

Russian forces fired missiles at several cities in Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin authorised a military operation. Local media reported explosions in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. Gunfire was also heard near the capital's main airport.

Here are the 5 latest developments of Russia's invasion of Ukraine:
  1. Ukraine says it has killed 'around 50 Russian occupiers'. The announcement came hours after Russia's ground forces crossed into Ukraine from several directions.
  2. Ukraine's border guard today said that three servicemen was killed in a shelling attack along the Crimean border, the first officially confirmed military deaths of the Russian invasion.
  3. The Russian defence ministry said it has destroyed air bases, air defences in Ukraine with precision weapons.
  4. Ukraine claims that it has downed five Russian planes and a helicopter in the east of the country. "According to the Joint Forces Command, today, February 24, in the area of the Joint Forces operation, five planes and a helicopter of the aggressors were shot down," the army general staff said.
  5. Anton Gerashchenko, Ukraine's deputy interior minister, said that Russia has fired missiles on military headquarters, airports, military warehouses near Kyiv, Kharkov and Dnieper.

Tuesday 22 February 2022

Russian military in areas near the Ukrainian border, amid fears that Russia is about to invade Ukraine.

New Delhi : Satellite images show new deployment of the Russian military in areas near the Ukrainian border, amid fears that Russia is about to invade Ukraine. Yesterday, the Russian parliament voted to allow President Vladimir Putin to use the army outside the country to support separatists in Ukraine.

The pictures, collected by Maxar over the past 24 hours, show deployment and movement of additional logistics and supplies in southern Belarus and at multiple sites in western Russia near the Ukrainian border.

The new activity includes more than 100 vehicles and dozens of troop tents at a small airfield near Mozyr in southern Belarus. The airfield is located less than 40 kilometers from the Ukraine border.

Monday 21 February 2022

Here are the latest developments on the Russia-Ukraine crisis:

New Delhi: 

Efforts to prevent a Russian invasion of Ukraine were dealt a serious blow when Russia recognised the independence of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine. In response, the US announced financial sanctions against the rebel territories.

Here are the latest developments on the Russia-Ukraine crisis:
  1. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed mutual aid and friendship agreements with rebel leaders in the Kremlin today. "I believe it is necessary to take a long-overdue decision, to immediately recognise the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic," he said.
  2. The West had repeatedly warned Russia against recognising Ukraine's rebels. But Russia's latest decrees effectively bury a fragile peace agreement regulating the conflict.
  3. The United States has announced financial sanctions against rebel territories freshly recognised by Russia in eastern Ukraine. "I have signed an Executive Order to deny Russia the chance to profit from its blatant violations of international law. We are continuing to closely consult with Allies and partners, including Ukraine, on next steps," President Joe Biden said while signing the executive order.
  4. French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned Russia's move and urged the European Union to impose fresh sanctions on Moscow.
  5. The Russian forces are stationed just a few kilometres away from the Ukrainian border, along with fighter jets, tanks, helicopters and heavy weaponry. All this points to Russia's intention of starting a full-scale war in the region, the West has claimed.
  6. Russia claims the build-up of forces has always been for military exercises and that it poses no threat to Ukraine or any other nation.
  7. The United Nations Security Council is holding an emergency meeting today at the request of Ukraine, the US, 5 European nations and Mexico.
  8. UN chief Antonio Guterres said that they were greatly concerned by Russia's decision on the status of certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. "We remain fully supportive of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within internationally recognized borders," he posted on Twitter.
  9. Tensions spiked in recent days after an outbreak of heavy shellfire on Ukraine's eastern frontline with the separatists and a series of reported incidents on the border with Russia.
  10. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Russia of wrecking peace efforts and ruled out making any territorial concessions in an address to the nation today.

            February 18th verses மத்தேயு 15 : 19 & 20

            February 18th verses 

            மத்தேயு 15 : 19 & 20 

            19 : எப்படியெனில், இருதயத்திலிà®°ுந்து பொல்லாத சிந்தனைகளுà®®், கொலைபாதகங்களுà®®், விபசாà®°à®™்களுà®®், வேசித்தனங்களுà®®், களவுகளுà®®், பொய்ச்சாட்சிகளுà®®், தூஷணங்களுà®®் புறப்பட்டுவருà®®்.

            20 : இவைகளே மனுஷனைத் தீட்டுப்படுத்துà®®்; கைகழுவாமல் சாப்பிடுகிறது மனுஷனைத் தீட்டுப்படுத்தாது என்à®±ாà®°்.

            Matthew 15 : 19 & 20

            19 : For Out Of The Heart Come Evil Thoughts, Murder, Adultery, Sexual Immorality, Theft, False Testimony, Slander.

            20 : These Are What Make A Man 'Unclean'; But Eating With Unwashed Hands Does Not Make Him 'Unclean.' "(NIV)

            February 20th verse லூக்கா 6 : 45

            February 20th verse 

            லூக்கா 6 : 45

            நல்ல மனுஷன் தன் இருதயமாகிய நல்ல பொக்கிஷத்திலிà®°ுந்து நல்லதை எடுத்துக் காட்டுகிà®±ான்; பொல்லாத மனுஷன் தன் இருதயமாகிய பொல்லாத பொக்கிஷத்திலிà®°ுந்து பொல்லாததை எடுத்துக்காட்டுகிà®±ான் இருதயத்தின் நிà®±ைவினால் அவனவன் வாய் பேசுà®®்.

            Luke 6 : 45

            The Good Man Brings Good Things Out Of The Good Stored Up In His Heart, And The Evil Man Brings Evil Things Out Of The Evil Stored Up In His Heart. For Out Of The Overflow Of His Heart His Mouth Speaks. (NIV)

            February 22nd verses கொலோசெயர் 3 : 12 & 13

            February 22nd verses 

            கொலோசெயர் 3 : 12 & 13

            12 : ஆகையால், நீà®™்கள் தேவனால் தெà®°ிந்துகொள்ளப்பட்ட பரிசுத்தருà®®் பிà®°ியருà®®ாய், உருக்கமான இரக்கத்தையுà®®், தயவையுà®®், மனத்தாà®´்à®®ையையுà®®், சாந்தத்தையுà®®், நீடிய பொà®±ுà®®ையையுà®®் தரித்துக்கொண்டு;

            13 : à®’à®°ுவரையொà®°ுவர் தாà®™்கி, à®’à®°ுவர்பேà®°ில் à®’à®°ுவருக்குக் குà®±ைபாடு உண்டானால், கிà®±ிஸ்து உங்களுக்கு மன்னித்ததுபோல, à®’à®°ுவருக்கொà®°ுவர் மன்னியுà®™்கள்.

             Colossians 3 : 12 & 13

            12 : Therefore, As God's Chosen People, Holy And Dearly Loved, Clothe Yourselves With Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness And Patience.

            13 : Bear With Each Other And Forgive Whatever Grievances You May Have Against One Another. Forgive As The Lord Forgave You.(NIV)

            February 21st verse à®°ோமர் 8 : 27

            February 21st verse 

            à®°ோமர்  8 : 27

            ஆவியானவர் தேவனுடைய சித்தத்தின்படியே பரிசுத்தவான்களுக்காக வேண்டுதல் செய்கிறபடியால், இருதயங்களை ஆராய்ந்துபாà®°்க்கிறவர் ஆவியின் சிந்தை இன்னதென்à®±ு à®…à®±ிவாà®°்.

            Romans  8 : 27

            And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. (NIV)

            Sunday 20 February 2022

            Nepal will become 1st country to deploy India’s UPI platform

            19 Fabruary 2022
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            Nepal will become 1st country to deploy India’s UPI platform

            Nepal will be the first country to adopt India's UPI system, which will play a pivotal role in transforming the digital economy of the neighbouring country, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), the international arm of NPCI, has joined hands with Gateway Payments Service (GPS) & Manam Infotech to provide the services. GPS is the authorized payment system operator in NepalManam Infotech will deploy Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Nepal.

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            The collaboration will serve the larger digital public good in Nepal and bolster interoperable real-time person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions in the neighbouring country. Nepal shall be the first country outside of India to adopt UPI as the payments platform driving the digitalization of cash transactions and furthering the vision and objectives of the Nepal Government and Nepal Rastra Bank as the Central bank.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Nepal Capital: Kathmandu;
            • Nepal Currency: Nepalese rupee;
            • Nepal President: Bidhya Devi Bhandari;
            • Nepal Prime Minister: Sher Bahadur Deuba.

            Career Counselling Workshop ‘Pramarsh 2022’ launched in Bikaner

            19 Fabruary 2022
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            Career Counselling Workshop ‘Pramarsh 2022’ launched in Bikaner

            Minister of State for Culture & Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal has launched ‘Pramarsh 2022’, a mega career counselling workshop, for the students of the Bikaner District region in Rajasthan. More than one lakh students from thousands of private & government schools of Bikaner district and mainly from rural areas participated in this workshop. It is the first such incidence in India that more than 1 lakh students participated in Career Counselling in one Workshop.

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            About the Pramarsh 2022 workshop:

            • The “Pramarsh 2022” workshop is an extension of the effort to bridge the industry-academia gap and impart the knowledge about various choices available to the student, to help them make a more informed decision.
            • The Workshop was organised jointly by The National Institute of Career Services (NICS), under the Ministry of Labour & Employment and Bengaluru-based educational start-up Edumilestones, with support from the Directorate of Education, Rajasthan.

            Football legend Surajit Sengupta passes away

            19 Fabruary 2022
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            Football legend Surajit Sengupta passes away

            The former India footballer Surajit Sengupta, who played as a midfielder, has passed away due to COVID-19 complications. He was 71. At the club level, Sengupta had been associated with Kolkata’s three big clubs, Mohun Bagan (1972-1973, 1981-1983), East Bengal (1974- 1979) and Mohammedan Sporting (1980). He was part of the Indian national team that won a bronze medal in the 1970 Asian Games, held in Bangkok, Thailand.

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            19th February Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK Updates for Bank Exam

            19 Fabruary 2022
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            19th February Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK Updates for Bank Exam

            Daily GK updates are incorporated with the important news that made the current affairs headlines for banking or other competitive exams. Daily GK Update is the complete bag of the important news that is held all day long. One should have complete knowledge about banking terms, current affairs news, etc. So, here is the GK update of 19th February 2022 to help you prepare the Current affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.

            Here is the Daily GK Update of 19th February 2022 covering the following news headlines: World Day of Social Justice, World Pangolin Day, Soil Health Card Day, IBA’s Annual Banking Technology Awards, SBI Ecowrap report.

            Top 10 Daily GK Updates: National & International News

            Here is providing below the top 10 important Daily General Knowledge 2022 updates with national & international news.

            National News

            1. Career Counselling Workshop ‘Pramarsh 2022’ launched in Bikaner

            • Minister of State for Culture & Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal has launched ‘Pramarsh 2022’, a mega career counselling workshop, for the students of the Bikaner District region in Rajasthan.
            • More than one lakh students from thousands of private & government schools of Bikaner district and mainly from rural areas participated in this workshop. It is the first such incidence in India that more than 1 lakh students participated in Career Counselling in one Workshop.
            • The “Pramarsh 2022” workshop is an extension of the effort to bridge the industry-academia gap and impart the knowledge about various choices available to the student, to help them make a more informed decision.
            • The Workshop was organised jointly by The National Institute of Career Services (NICS), under the Ministry of Labour & Employment and Bengaluru-based educational start-up Edumilestones, with support from the Directorate of Education, Rajasthan.

            International News

            2. Nepal will become 1st country to deploy India’s UPI platform

            • Nepal will be the first country to adopt India's UPI system, which will play a pivotal role in transforming the digital economy of the neighbouring country, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
            • NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), the international arm of NPCI, has joined hands with Gateway Payments Service (GPS) & Manam Infotech to provide the services. GPS is the authorized payment system operator in NepalManam Infotech will deploy Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Nepal.
            • The collaboration will serve the larger digital public good in Nepal and bolster interoperable real-time person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions in the neighbouring country.
            • Nepal shall be the first country outside of India to adopt UPI as the payments platform driving the digitalization of cash transactions and furthering the vision and objectives of the Nepal Government and Nepal Rastra Bank as the Central bank.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Nepal Capital: Kathmandu;
            • Nepal Currency: Nepalese rupee;
            • Nepal President: Bidhya Devi Bhandari;
            • Nepal Prime Minister: Sher Bahadur Deuba.

            Appointments News

            3. Institute of Economic Growth named Chetan Ghate as its news Director

            • The Institute of Economic Growth has appointed Chetan Ghate as the new director succeeding Ajit Mishra. He was a member of the Reserve Bank of India’s first monetary policy committee between 2016-2020, is the winner of the 2014 Mahalanobis Memorial gold medal for the best research economist in the country under the age of 45.
            • He is currently an external affiliate of the Centre for Research in Macroeconomics and Macro-Finance at Swansea University (Wales, UK).
            • The Institute of Economic Growth conducts advanced research on economic and social development in areas as diverse as macroeconomics, labour, international trade, public health, environment, agriculture, demography, sociology and industrial organization.
            • IEG is one of the leading research and training centres in India with a global reputation for research on the Indian economy. The Institute also provides induction training for the Indian Economic Service Officers.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Institute of Economic Growth Chairperson: Tarun Das;
            • Institute of Economic Growth Founder: V. K. R. V. Rao;
            • Institute of Economic Growth Founded: 1952.

            Economy News

            4. SBI Ecowrap report: India’s GDP projected at 8.8% in FY22

            • State Bank of India (SBI) Research Report, Ecowrap, has revised downwards the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of India for FY22 (2021-22) to 8.8 percent. Earlier this was estimated at 9.3 per cent.
            • The report projects the GDP to grow at 5.8 per cent in the third quarter (Q3) of FY2021-2022 (October-December). The country’s economy expanded by 8.4 per cent in the second quarter of 2021-22, to cross pre-pandemic levels.
            • However, the GDP growth in the July-September period was slower than the 20.1 per cent expansion in the previous quarter.

            Defence News

            5. Amit Shah launches ‘Shastra App’ and ‘Smart Card Arms License’ of Delhi Police

            • Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched the ‘Smart Card Arms License’ and ‘Shastra App’ of the Delhi Police, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Delhi Police.
            • In order to provide techno-friendly digital services to the citizens of the national capital. According to Delhi Police, the smart card, with inherent security features, is easy to carry and handle. The card will be printed in-house after verification of data of the arms license holders.
            • The Delhi Police Licensing Unit has introduced ‘Smart Card Arms License’, to replace the existing bulky arms license booklet. With this Delhi Police has become the first police force in the country to introduce such a smart card service.
            • The Smart Card Arms License is easy to carry with inherent security features. It will be printed in the house after verification of data of arms license holders.
            • The card is also integrated with the ‘e-Beat book’ of Delhi Police through the ‘Shastra mobile app’ for effective policing.
            • The Shastra app will help beat officers in identifying the credentials of arms license holders anytime during day-to-day random checking.

            Awards News

            6. 17th IBA’s Annual Banking Technology Awards 2021 announced

            • Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has announced the IBA’s 17th Annual Banking Technology Awards 2021. In total South Indian Bank has won 6 awards in the event.
            • This year’s IBA Awards celebrating “Next Gen Banking” has recognized technologies and practices in the banking industry that have demonstrated a high degree of innovation over the past year.

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            Important Days

            7. 7th Soil Health Card Day Observed on 19 February 2022

            • Every year India observes the Soil Health Card Day on 19 February to commemorate the launch of the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme, and create awareness about the benefits of the scheme. 2022 marks the seventh year of the launch of the SHC Scheme.
            • The scheme aims at issuing soil health cards to all farmers every two years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme on 19th February 2015 at Suratgarh in Rajasthan.
            • The card would provide details about the nutritional deficiencies in the soil so that the farmers can supplement the soil with suitable fertilizers and increase the yields.
            • The scheme has been introduced to assist State Governments to issue Soil Health Cards to all farmers in the country. It provides information to farmers on the nutrient status of their soil along with recommendations on the appropriate dosage of nutrients to be applied for improving soil health and its fertility.

            8. World Pangolin Day 2022 observed on 19th February

            • World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the “Third Saturday of February” every year. In 2022, the annual World Pangolin Day is being celebrated on 19 February 2022. It marks the 11th edition of the event.
            • The day aims to raise awareness about these unique mammals and speed up conservation efforts. Pangolin numbers are rapidly declining in Asia and Africa.

            9. World Day of Social Justice observed on 20 February 2022

            • World Day of Social Justice is celebrated annually all over the world on 20 February. The International Labour Organization unanimously adopted the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization on 10 June 2008.
            • Social justice is an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations. World Day of Social Justice 2022 Theme: Achieving Social Justice through Formal Employment.
            • The International Labour Organization unanimously adopted the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization on 10 June 2008. This is the third major statement of principles and policies adopted by the International Labour Conference since the ILO’s Constitution of 1919.
            • It builds on the Philadelphia Declaration of 1944 and the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work of 1998. The 2008 Declaration expresses the contemporary vision of the ILO’s mandate in the era of globalization.

            Obituaries News

            10. Football legend Surajit Sengupta passes away

            • The former India footballer Surajit Sengupta, who played as a midfielder, has passed away due to COVID-19 complications. He was 71.
            • At the club level, Sengupta had been associated with Kolkata’s three big clubs, Mohun Bagan (1972-1973, 1981-1983), East Bengal (1974- 1979) and Mohammedan Sporting (1980).
            • He was part of the Indian national team that won a bronze medal in the 1970 Asian Games, held in Bangkok, Thailand.

            SBI Ecowrap report: India’s GDP projected at 8.8% in FY22

            19 Fabruary 2022
            -------------------------------

            SBI Ecowrap report: India’s GDP projected at 8.8% in FY22

            State Bank of India (SBI) Research Report, Ecowrap, has revised downwards the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of India for FY22 (2021-22) to 8.8 percent. Earlier this was estimated at 9.3 per cent. The report projects the GDP to grow at 5.8 per cent in the third quarter (Q3) of FY2021-2022 (October-December).

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            The country’s economy expanded by 8.4 per cent in the second quarter of 2021-22, to cross pre-pandemic levels. However, the GDP growth in the July-September period was slower than the 20.1 per cent expansion in the previous quarter.

            World Day of Social Justice observed on 20 February 2022

            19 Fabruary 2022
            -------------------------------

            World Day of Social Justice observed on 20 February 2022

            World Day of Social Justice is celebrated annually all over the world on 20 February. The International Labour Organization unanimously adopted the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization on 10 June 2008. Social justice is an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations. World Day of Social Justice 2022 Theme: Achieving Social Justice through Formal Employment.

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            History of the Days:

            The International Labour Organization unanimously adopted the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization on 10 June 2008. This is the third major statement of principles and policies adopted by the International Labour Conference since the ILO’s Constitution of 1919. It builds on the Philadelphia Declaration of 1944 and the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work of 1998. The 2008 Declaration expresses the contemporary vision of the ILO’s mandate in the era of globalization.

            Wednesday 16 February 2022

            15th February Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK Updates for Bank Exam

            15 Fabruary 2022
            -------------------------------

            15th February Daily Current Affairs 2022: Today GK Updates for Bank Exam

            Daily GK updates are incorporated with the important news that made the current affairs headlines for banking or other competitive exams. Daily GK Update is the complete bag of the important news that is held all day long. One should have complete knowledge about banking terms, current affairs news, etc. So, here is the GK update of 15th February 2022 to help you prepare the Current affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.

            Here is the Daily GK Update of 15th February 2022 covering the following news headlines: Bill Gates, ISRO, US Green Building Council, Saubhagya Scheme, IndiaFirst Life Insurance, ABG Shipyard, Paisabazaar.

            Top 15 Daily GK Updates: National & International News

            Here is providing below the top 15 important Daily General Knowledge 2022 updates with national & international news.

            National News

            1. India to replace diesel by renewable energy in agriculture by 2024 

            • Union Power Minister R K Singh has announced that India will achieve zero-diesel use in agriculture and replace fossil fuel with renewable energy by 2024.
            • For this, states should develop action plans to achieve the assigned targets and specific agencies dedicated to energy efficiency and conservation.
            • This initiative is a part of the government’s commitment to increase the share of non-fossil fuels by 2030 and become a net-zero emitter by 2070.
            • Union minister chaired a virtual meeting with additional chief secretaries and principal secretaries of power in states for collaboration between the Central and state governments for achieving energy transition goals.

            2. Indian Railways to set up country’s biggest Wrestling Academy

            • Ministry of Railways has approved to set up a state-of-art wrestling academy in Indian Railways, at Kishanganj, Delhi.
            • The wrestling academy will be the biggest in India and equipped with advanced training facilities to promote the sports of wrestling in the country. The project will be set up at an estimated cost of Rs 30.76 crores.
            • According to the ministry, the national transporter has played a key role in promoting wrestling in the country and most of the elite wrestlers in India are from Indian Railways.
            • The academy will offer the best sports facilities to sportspersons, and provide an opportunity for many budding wrestlers to become champions in the coming time.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Minister of Railways: Ashwini Vaishnaw.

            International News

            3. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invokes Emergencies Act for 1st time 

            • Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau has invoked never-before-used emergency powers to support provinces in ending the blockades and public disorder that have gripped Ottawa for 18 days at the hands of participants in the so-called “Freedom Convoy.”
            • The demonstrations shut a main economic corridor between Canada and the United States for six days before it was reopened on the 13th Feb.
            • The Emergencies Act to deal with the "Freedom Convoy" protests, started on Jam 28 by Canadian truckers opposing a vaccinate-or-quarantine mandate for cross-border drivers.
            • They have turned into a rallying point for people opposed to a range of Trudeau's policies, including COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and a carbon tax.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Canada Capital: Ottawa; Currency: Canadian dollar.

            4. Israel became first country to allow drones in civilian airspace 

            • Israel becomes the first-ever country to allow drone flights in civilian airspace. The certification was issued to the Hermes Starliner unmanned system by the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority and was manufactured and developed by Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence electronics company.
            • The UAVs will be used for the benefit of agriculture, the environment, public welfare, economic activity and against crime. For safety reasons, international aviation regulations prohibit uncertified aircraft from flying in civilian airspace, limiting the operation of UAVs to unsegregated airspace.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Israel Capital: Jerusalem;
            • Israel Currency: Israeli Shekel;
            • Israel President: Isaac Herzog;
            • Israel Prime minister: Naftali Bennett.

            5. Germany re-elects President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for second term

            • German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier has been re-elected for a second term of five years by a special parliamentary assembly. This is also the final term for Steinmeier, which he won with 71% of the vote.
            • The special assembly was made up of the members of parliament of the lower house and representatives of Germany’s 16 states. Steinmeier was first elected as the president on February 12, 2017, with 74% of the vote.
            • Before first becoming president in 2017, Steinmeier, 66, served two stints as Chancellor Angela Merkel's foreign minister and earlier was chief of staff to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.
            • Germany's president has little executive power but is considered an important moral authority. After a messy parliamentary election result in 2017, Steinmeier helped prod politicians to form a new coalition government rather than holding out for a new vote.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Germany Chancellor: Olaf Scholz;
            • Germany Capital: Berlin;
            • Germany Currency: Euro.

            Appointments News

            6. Gita Mittal appointed as chairperson of Committee of Administrators to run TTFI

            • The Delhi High Court has appointed former Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, Gita Mittal as the Chairperson of the Committee of Administrators which will run the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI).
            • The court ordered that all communications on behalf of TTFI with any sportsperson or international sports bodies, will now take place only through the Committee of Administrators and the existing office bearers shall no longer be entitled to discharge any functions.
            • The office bearers will help the Committee of Administrators, as and when requested and a monthly honorarium of Rs 3 lakh and Rs 1 lakh each will be paid to Chairperson and two members, respectively.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Table Tennis Federation of India President: Dushyant Chautala;
            • Table Tennis Federation of India Headquarters: New Delhi;
            • Table Tennis Federation of India Founded: 1926.

            7. Ilker Ayci named as MD and CEO of Air India

            • Ilker Ayci has been appointed as the new CEO and MD of Air India. He will assume his responsibilities on or before 1st April 2022. Ilker Ayci is a former chairman of Turkish Airlines. Ilker is an aviation industry leader who led Turkish Airlines to its current success during his tenure there.
            • Ayci was born in Istanbul in 1971. After graduating from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Bilkent University, he served as a researcher in the Department of Political Sciences at Leeds University in the U.K.
            • Starting his career in 1994, he was assigned several positions in Kurtsan Ilaclar A.S., Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Universal Dis Ticaret A.S., respectively, and then he served as a general manager in Basak Sigorta A.S. between 2005-2006, and then in Gunes Sigorta A.S. between 2006 and 2011.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Tata Group Founder: Jamsetji Tata;
            • Tata Group Founded: 1868, Mumbai;
            • Tata Group Headquarters: Mumbai.

            Agreements News

            8. Reliance Jio ties up with SES for satellite-based broadband service 

            • Reliance Jio has tied up with Luxembourg-based satellite and telecom services provider SES to provide satellite-based broadband communication services in India. Under the agreement, Jio Platforms has formed a joint venture with SES, named as Jio Space Technology Ltd.
            • The joint venture will deliver the next generation scalable and affordable broadband services in India, leveraging satellite technology. Jio Platforms Ltd will hold 51 per cent and SES will own a 49 per cent equity stake in the joint venture. The total value of the contract is around $100 million.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Reliance Jio Founder: Mukesh Ambani;
            • Reliance Jio Founded: 2007, Ahmedabad.

            Business News

            9. Paisabazaar & RBL bank tie-up to offer ‘Paisa on Demand’ credit card 

            • Paisabazaar.com, a digital platform for consumer credit, has partnered with RBL Bank Limited to offer ‘Paisa on Demand’ (PoD), a credit card that will be exclusively available on the Paisabazaar platform.
            • To build products that offer integrated services for the large under-served segments across India. This is the third product under Paisabazaar’s neo-lending strategy.
            • The credit card from RBL Bank will be lifetime free with a digital onboarding process. It provides options of availing of personal loans from RBL Bank, using the same credit limit at normal personal loan rates to customers.
            • Along with features of a credit card, the product will provide customers the option of availing personal loans from RBL Bank, using the same credit limit at normal personal loan rates.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Paisabazaar.com Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana;
            • Paisabazaar.com CEO & Co-founder: Naveen Kukreja.

            Banking News

            10. CBI finds India’s biggest bank fraud of Rs 22,842 cr, books ABG Shipyard

            • Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has booked ABG Shipyard for an alleged Rs 22,842-crore financial fraud. ABG Shipyard is the flagship entity of ABG Group. It has cheated a consortium of 28 banks and financial institutions of Rs. 22,842 crore.
            • This is the biggest bank fraud case ever registered by the CBI. The case pertained to funds gotten and misused during the 2012-17 period. Rishi Agarwal, the then CMD of ABG Shipyard has been named in the FIR.
            • This consortium was led by ICICI Bank. Of this, ABG Shipyard owes Rs. 7,089 crore to ICICI Bank, Rs. 3,639 crores to IDBI Bank, Rs. 2,925 crores to State Bank, Rs. 1,614 crores to Bank of Baroda, and Rs. 1,244 crore to Punjab National Bank, among others.
            • The Funds given by these banks were used by the executives of ABG Shipyard for purposes other than for which they were given and they were engaged in diversion of funds, misappropriation and criminal breach of trust. The same has been revealed in a report submitted by M/s. Ernst & Young LP.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • ABG Shipyard Headquarters: Mumbai;
            • ABG Shipyard Founded: 1985.

            11. BoB will acquire Union Bank’s stake in IndiaFirst Life Insurance

            • Bank of Baroda will acquire Union Bank of India’s 21% stake in IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company. It is a joint venture between the Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, and Carmel Point Investments.
            • At present, the shareholding in IFIC is BoB holds 44%, Carmel Point Investments India holds 26% and UBI holds 30%. The acquisition is pursuant to a ‘Right of First Offer’ made by UBI to the existing shareholders of IndiaFirst Life, to divest 21% of its stake in IndiaFirst Life.
            • IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company will continue to have a long term agency distribution agreements with both banks (BOB and UBI), even after this stake sale.
            • Bank of Baroda has a strong domestic presence spanning 8,185 branches and 11,535 ATMs and cash recyclers supported by self-service channels. The bank has a significant international presence with a network of 96 overseas offices spanning 18 countries.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Bank of Baroda Founded: 20 July 1908;
            • Bank of Baroda Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat;
            • Bank of Baroda Managing Director & CEO: Sanjiv Chadha;
            • Bank of Baroda Tagline: India’s International Bank;
            • Bank of Baroda Amalgamated Banks: Dena Bank & Vijaya Bank in 2019.

            Schemes and Committees News

            12. Saubhagya Scheme: Rajasthan tops solar electrification Scheme

            • Under the Saubhagya scheme, Rajasthan has the maximum number of households electrified through the solar-based standalone system. In hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir had nil beneficiaries under the initiative.
            • Under the Saubhagya Scheme, 2.817 crore households were electrified up to March 31 last year, including 4.16 lakh through solar-based standalone systems.
            • Under the Saubhagya scheme, as many as 1,23,682 households were electrified through the solar-based standalone system in Rajasthan, followed by Chhattisgarh (65,373), Uttar Pradesh (53,234), Assam (50,754), Bihar (39,100), Maharashtra (30,538), Odisha (13,735), Madhya Pradesh (12,651), Power Minister R K Singh told the Lok Sabha.

            Ranks and Reports News

            13. India ranks 3rd in 9th US Green Building Council

            • The US Green Building Council (USGBC) has released the 9th annual ranking of top 10 countries outside of the United States (US) for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in 2021 in which India ranked 3rd with 146 projects.
            • It has been topped by China with 1,077 LEED projects certified in 2021, which is followed by Canada at 2nd position with 205 projects. The ranking highlights countries and regions outside the US that are doing good in healthy, sustainable, and resilient building design, construction, and operations.
            • As India becomes home to 146 more LEED licensed buildings and spaces in 2021, it represents 2,818,436.08 Gross Square Meters (GSM) of area.
            • This marks an almost 10% enhance in LEED licensed area in India from 2020 despite the ongoing pandemic India’s total tasks underneath LEED stand at 1,649 buildings with total of 46.2 million gross sq. meters.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • US Green Building Council President and CEO: Peter Templeton;
            • US Green Building Council  Headquarter: Washington, D.C., US.

            Science and Technology News

            14. ISRO successfully launches earth observation satellite, EOS-04

            • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched an Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-04 and two small satellites into the intended orbit. This was the first launch mission of ISRO in the year 2022.
            • The satellites were launched onboard the launch vehicle PSLV-C52 rocket from the First Launch Pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
            • EOS-04 is a Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT) designed to provide high-quality images under all weather conditions for applications such as agriculture, forestry, and plantations, flood mapping, soil moisture & hydrology.
            • The satellite weighs about 1710 kg. It can generate 2280 W power. It has a mission life of 10 years.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Chairman and Space Secretary of ISRO: Dr S Somanath;
            • ISRO Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka;
            • ISRO established: 15 August 1969.

            Books and Authors News

            15. A book titled ‘How to Prevent the Next Pandemic’ by Bill Gates

            • A book titled ‘How to Prevent the Next Pandemic’ has authored by Bill Gates will be published this year in May 2022.
            • In the book Bill Gates has written about specific steps that can only stop future pandemics but, in the process, provide better health care for everyone around the world.
            • His last book, “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need”, was released in February 2021. The book, to be published by Penguin Random House internationally and Knopf in the US.

            MoSPI projected GDP deflator forecast for FY23 at 3-3.5%

            16 February 2022
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            MoSPI projected GDP deflator forecast for FY23 at 3-3.5%

            Ministry of statistics and programme implementation (MoSPI) has projected India’s gross domestic product (GDP) deflator for FY23 at 3 to 3.5%. The Government’s own projection on real GDP growth for FY23 is at 7.6-8.1% and the union budget projected nominal GDP growth rate to be 11.1% for FY23. GDP Projection in the Budget is based on advance estimates of the ‘National Statistical Office’ (NSO).

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            Economic Survey 2021-22 projected a real GDP growth rate of 8-8.5 per cent in FY23. RBI projected India’s real GDP growth of 7.8 per cent in FY23 and retail inflation of 4.5 per cent for FY23. The GDP deflator, or implicit price deflator, is a measure of inflation and is the difference between nominal GDP and real GDP.

            International Childhood Cancer Day 2022

            16 February 2022
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            International Childhood Cancer Day 2022

            Every year, February 15 is observed as International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) to raise awareness about the evil that entails this issue and the ways to deal with the same. The day is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families.

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            The most common types of childhood cancers include leukemias, brain cancer, lymphomas, solid tumours, such as neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour and bone tumours. The day promotes increased appreciation and deeper understanding of issues and challenges relevant to childhood cancer and impacting on children/adolescents with cancer, the survivors, their families and the society as a whole. It also spotlights the need for more equitable and better access to treatment and care for all children with cancer, everywhere.

            History of the day:

            This annual event was created in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International, a global network of 176 parent organizations, childhood cancer survivor associations, childhood cancer support groups, and cancer societies, in over 93 countries, across 5 continents.

            Dabur becomes first Indian plastic waste neutral' FMCG company

            16 February 2022
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            Dabur becomes first Indian plastic waste neutral' FMCG company

            Dabur India has become the first Indian consumer goods company to become completely plastic waste neutral. It has done this by collecting, processing and recycling around 27,000 metric tonnes of post-consumer plastic waste during FY21-22. Dabur has achieved the landmark of surpassing its plastic packaging usage with recycling. Dabur's Plastic Waste Management initiative was launched in 2017-18 as part of the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rule.

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            Dabur has also announced the beginning of a new 'Save the Environment' campaign in Himachal Pradesh to raise community awareness about how to manage home plastic waste. They have also been working with school children in towns and villages as part of this commitment, educating them about different forms of garbage and the benefits of sorting them at the source. They have been assisting government schools by providing waste bins, sanitary facilities, and IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Dabur India CEO: Mohit Malhotra;
            • Dabur India Headquarters: Ghaziabad;
            • Dabur India Founder: S.K. Burman;
            • Dabur India Founded: 1884.

            Legendary singer and music composer Bappi Lahiri passes away

            16 February 2022
            -------------------------------

            Legendary singer and music composer Bappi Lahiri passes away

            Veteran singer and composer, Bappi Lahiri has passed away at the age of 69. He was lovingly called Bappi Da in the industry is known for delivering iconic songs in several films of the late 1970s-80s like Chalte Chalte, Disco Dancer, and Sharaabi. His last Bollywood song was Bhankas for the 2020 film Baaghi 3.

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            The singer is known for his gold chains. His real name was Alokesh Lahiri. He joined BJP in 2014. He was declared a BJP candidate from Srerampur (Lok Sabha constituency) in West Bengal for the 2014 Indian general election and lost.

            Indian mining major Vedanta to manufacture semiconductors in India

            16 February 2022
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            Indian mining major Vedanta to manufacture semiconductors in India

            The Indian mining major Vedanta has tied up with Taiwanese electronics manufacturing company, Hon Hai Technology Group (better known as Foxconn) to form a joint venture (JV) for manufacturing semiconductors in India. Anil Agarwal, the non-executive Chairman of Vedanta, will be the Chairman of the JV company.

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            This is the first JV in the electronics manufacturing sector after the government announced a Rs 76,000 crore production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for semiconductor and display manufacturing, to create an ecosystem of local production of semiconductors in India. Vedanta will be the majority shareholder in the JV while Foxconn will hold minority share.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Foxconn Founder: Terry Gou;
            • Foxconn Founded: 20 February 1974;
            • Foxconn Headquarters: Tucheng District, Taipei, Taiwan.

            IAS Officer Vineet Joshi named as Chairman of CBSE

            16 February 2022
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            IAS Officer Vineet Joshi named as Chairman of CBSE

            IAS Vineet Joshi has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). He replaces IAS Manoj Ahuja, who has been appointed as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Mr Joshi, a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Manipur cadre, is an Additional Secretary, Department of Higher Education, under the Ministry of Education. He is also the Director-General of the National Testing Agency (NTA). In 2010 as well he got the responsibility of CBSE chairman.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • CBSE Head Office: Delhi;
            • CBSE Founded: 3 November 1962.

            ICICI Bank's Sandeep Bakhshi named Business Standard Banker of the Year 2020-21

            16 February 2022
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            ICICI Bank's Sandeep Bakhshi named Business Standard Banker of the Year 2020-21

            Sandeep Bakhshi has been named the Business Standard Banker of the Year 2020-21. He is the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of ICICI Bank. The winner was chosen by a jury of 5 members chaired by former Reserve Bank of India deputy governor S S Mundra. For 2020-21, ICICI Bank reported a net profit of Rs 16,193 crore against Rs 7,931 crore during the previous financial year.

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            The criteria used for selecting the contenders were the following:

            • Banks with an asset size of Rs 50,000 crore and above as of March 2021.
            • 10 per cent or more growth in profits prior to provisioning in the past one-, two- and three-year periods. Only 10 banks qualified, and that was further brought down to seven.

            Keegan Petersen, Heather Knight ICC players of the month for January

            16 February 2022
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            Keegan Petersen, Heather Knight ICC players of the month for January

            South Africa's Test sensation Keegan Petersen and England women's team captain Heather Knight were voted ICC Players of the Month for January 2022. In the men’s category, South African batter Keegan Petersen was a sensation during the home Test series against India. He ended the series as the highest run-scorer with 276 runs and was named the Player of the Series.

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            For the women’s award, England skipper Knight beat off competition from Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu and West Indies star Deandra Dottin to be named ICC Player of the Month for January 2022. Knight captained England in the one-off Ashes Test against Australia in Canberra and finished as the highest run-getter.

            GoI allocates Rs 2.26 Crores for Telangana’s Medaram Jatara Festival 2022

            16 February 2022
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            GoI allocates Rs 2.26 Crores for Telangana’s Medaram Jatara Festival 2022

            The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, has sanctioned Rs. 2.26 Crores for Medaram Jatara 2022 Festival in Telangana. In 2022, the festival is being held from February 16 to 19, 2022. Medaram Jatara is the second-largest fair in India, after the Kumbh Mela. Medaram Jatara is conducted in honour of the Goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma. It was declared a State Festival in 1998.

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            The four-day tribal festival is celebrated once in two years in the month of “Magha” (February) on the full moon day, in Medaram Village of Mulugu district in Telangana. The festival is organised by the second-largest Tribal Community of Telangana, the Koya tribe, in collaboration with the Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Telangana.

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Telangana Capital: Hyderabad;
            • Telangana Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan;
            • Telangana Chief minister: K. Chandrashekar Rao.

            Maru Mahotsav or Jaisalmer Desert Festival celebrated in Rajasthan

            16 February 2022
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            Maru Mahotsav or Jaisalmer Desert Festival celebrated in Rajasthan

            The renowned Jaisalmer Desert Festival, also known as Maru Mahotsav of the Golden City started from 13 to 16 February 2022 at Pokaran village in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It is a four-day-long annual event started with a colorful grand procession followed by Miss Pokaran and Mister Pokran competitions. Regional folk dances such as Kalbelia, Kachhi Ghodi, Gair will be performed.

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            Rajasthan Minority Affairs Minister, Shale Mohammad flagged off the event. The festival is celebrated amidst the beautiful dunes of the Thar Desert in the Sam dunes (42 kilometres from Jaisalmer).

            Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

            • Chief Minister of Rajasthan: Ashok Gehlot; Governor: Kalraj Mishra.

            Sunday 13 February 2022

            குறள் : 376 பரியினுà®®் ஆகாவாà®®் பாலல்ல உய்த்துச் சொà®°ியினுà®®் போகா தம.

            குறள் : 376
            பரியினுà®®் ஆகாவாà®®் பாலல்ல உய்த்துச்
            சொà®°ியினுà®®் போகா தம.

            à®®ு.வ உரை :
            ஊழால் தமக்கு உரியவை அல்லாதப் பொà®°ுள்கள் வருந்திக்காப்பாà®±்à®±ினாலுà®®் நில்லாமல் போகுà®®் தமக்கு உரியவை கொண்டு போய்ச் சொà®°ிந்தாலுà®®் போகா.

            கலைஞர் உரை :
            தனக்கு உரிà®®ையல்லாதவற்à®±ை எவ்வளவுதான் பாதுகாப்பாக வைத்தாலுà®®் அவை தங்காமல் போய்விடக் கூடுà®®்; உரிà®®ையுள்ளவற்à®±ை எங்கே கொண்டு போய்ப் போட்டாலுà®®் அவை எங்குà®®் போகமாட்டா.

            சாலமன் பாப்பையா உரை :
            எத்தனை காத்தாலுà®®் நமக்கு விதி இல்லை என்à®±ால், செல்வம் நம்à®®ிடம் தங்காது. வேண்டா என்à®±ு நாà®®ே வெளியே தள்ளினாலுà®®் விதி இருந்தால் செல்வம் நம்à®®ை விட்டுப் போகமாட்டாது.

            Kural 376
            Pariyinum Aakaavaam Paalalla Uyththuch
            Choriyinum Pokaa Thama

            Explanation :
            Whatever is not conferred by fate cannot be preserved although it be guarded with most painful care; and that  which fate has made his  cannot be lost  although one should even take it and throw it away


            உலக மக்கள் அனைவருக்குà®®்  ஈரடியில் உலக தத்துவத்தை எடுத்துà®°ைக்குà®®் இது போன்à®± திà®°ுக்குறளை உங்கள் நண்பர்களுக்குà®®் பகிà®° இங்கே கிளிக் செய்யுà®™்கள்.
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